The Convener of The Alternative Movement and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Segun Showunmi, has indicated readiness to consider contesting the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), declaring that he is best prepared to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Showunmi made this known at the weekend when members of the Ogun State Executive Council of the Labour Party, led by the State Chairman, Hon. Oluwabukola Soyoye, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA), Abeokuta.
During the visit, the Labour Party formally invited Showunmi, a former spokesperson to ex–Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to join the party and fly its flag in the 2027 governorship race.
The National Vice Chairman of the party in the South-West, Abayomi Arabambi, urged Showunmi to give serious consideration to the request, expressing confidence that his candidature would strengthen the LP and enhance its electoral prospects in Ogun State.
Soyoye said the party was in search of credible, experienced and ideologically aligned leaders capable of repositioning Ogun State, alleging that the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration had failed to optimally harness the state’s economic potential.
Responding, Showunmi commended the Labour Party for its ideological clarity and consistency, noting that its philosophy aligns with progressive labour movements globally.
He also praised the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for elevating the party’s national profile and galvanising massive public support.
According to him, the Labour Party’s showing in the last general election, where it polled over six million votes nationwide, underscored its growing influence and capacity for “organic political mobilisation.”
While reaffirming his long-standing membership of the PDP since 1998, Showunmi described the LP’s offer as “attractive” and deserving of serious consideration.
He stressed the importance of a strong opposition in any democratic system and pledged his commitment to the development of Ogun State through a policy-driven and people-centred approach.
He acknowledged that although the incumbent administration had recorded some progress in road infrastructure, significant governance challenges remained.
“I consider this invitation a great honour, and by the grace of God, I will give it meticulous consideration,” Showunmi said.
“I believe I possess the experience, preparation, network and vision required to govern Ogun State effectively.”
He disclosed that he would consult widely, including with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former governors of the state—Chief Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Senator Ibikunle Amosun—before communicating his final decision to the Labour Party.
Showunmi concluded that with credible candidates and deliberate policies that harness Ogun State’s multiple growth poles, the Labour Party could record major electoral upsets in the 2027 general elections.
